Mountain Rescue Association

10/14/2026

Most SAR teams know 155.160 MHz. Many radios even have it labeled “MRA.” But where did that frequency come from—and are we actually authorized to use it?

This article takes a closer look at the history, licensing, regulations, and realities surrounding 155.160 MHz and radio communications in mountain rescue.

Read more: https://mra.org/155-160-we-all-use-it-but-is-it-legal/

10/11/2026

What happens when the person who needs rescuing is one of your own team members?

This Meridian article explores the importance of preparing for an “Incident Within an Incident” (IWI)—from making a clear emergency radio call to coordinating resources and managing the original mission while caring for an injured rescuer.

The takeaway is simple: we need to train to rescue ourselves, too.

Read more: https://mra.org/preparing-and-training-for-an-in-field-emergency/

10/09/2026

The newest edition of the MRA Newsletter, the Fall 2026 Meridian is out! We'll be highlighting some posts from it over the next week on our social media.

Whole blood is becoming an increasingly important tool in emergency medicine—and it’s making its way into the backcountry.

This article looks at how whole-blood programs are changing what’s possible for critically injured patients in remote environments, including a real-world rescue where a patient received whole blood during a prolonged evacuation.

Read the full story: https://mra.org/when-whole-blood-hits-the-backcountry-trails/

09/04/2026

Search and rescue organizations across the country continue to face growing demand for their services, while many teams rely on dedicated volunteers to provide critical support in challenging environments.

This article from Backpacker highlights the demands facing today’s search and rescue community and provides insight into how individuals can become involved.

We encourage anyone interested in serving their community and developing valuable search and rescue skills to learn more about opportunities with local SAR organizations.

With thousands of new hikers, climbers, and bikers heading into the wilderness, the people who rescue them are hitting a breaking point. The best way you can help? Sign up.

07/19/2026

New Maps Showing MRA Regions and Teams

We're excited to share a newly completed set of maps detailing the full Mountain Rescue Association network: every region, every team, all in one place.

The MRA is a national organization spanning two countries, 32 states, and nine regions, providing a unified voice and certification for 137 affiliated member teams. Seeing it all mapped out really drives home the scale of what this community accomplishes together.

This project includes dedicated maps for each individual region, plus a large-format map capturing every team and region across the entire MRA. The maps, along with the underlying GIS data, have been handed off to our new MRA GIS group, who'll keep them updated going forward alongside regional meetings and membership changes.

📍 Check out the full article and view all the higher resolution regional maps here: https://mra.org/new-maps-showing-mra-regions-and-teams/

07/13/2026

As the use of drones continues to grow in search and rescue, California MRA teams are collaborating to develop shared training, operational guidelines, and best practices. Read how this statewide effort is helping build a more coordinated approach to UAS operations from this issue of the Meridian - https://mra.org/california-sar-teams-collaborate-on-drone-programs-policies/

07/09/2026

This latest Meridian article explores current best practices for tourniquet use in the backcountry, helping rescuers and outdoor professionals better understand when these lifesaving tools are appropriate and what to consider in remote environments.

Link: https://mra.org/medical-news-tourniquet-applications-in-backcountry/

07/07/2026

📖 The newest edition of the Meridian is here!

Over the next week, we’ll be highlighting featured articles from this issue, giving you a closer look at the stories, insights, and innovations shaping the mountain rescue community.

We’re kicking things off with the President’s Message—a look at where the Mountain Rescue Association is headed and the priorities guiding our organization.

Read the first article and explore the latest edition here:

https://mra.org/presidents-message-summer-2026/

https://mra.org/category/meridian-editions/

06/30/2026

Congratulations to Alaska Mountain Rescue Groupon being named a 2025 co-recipient of the Mel Nading Search and Rescue Award, recognizing exceptional service in one of Alaska’s most challenging and complex rescue and recovery operations.

This award highlights not only the dedication and professionalism of the AMRG team, but also the importance of strong partnerships across the search and rescue community. We’re proud to recognize their accomplishment and the outstanding work of the Alaska Search and Rescue Association in supporting SAR volunteers throughout the state.

Congratulations to everyone involved on this well-deserved recognition.